List of Bushwalks in District of Stromlo

Environment

Bus

Uriarra Shepherd's Lookout Circuit

Uriarra Shepherd's Lookout Circuit

3.8 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from the Uriarra East Recreation Area, ACT, this walk takes you to the riversides of Murrumbidgee and Molonglo Rivers. Visiting Shepherd’s Lookout with a side trip, the track loops back to the start. The peaceful stroll skirting Murrumbidgee River will soothe your nerves as you listen to the burbling sound of water. It will also warm you up before the rewarding climb to the lookout. You’ll come across plenty of viewpoints prior to the lookout, but the spectacular view from the top will truly be worth the effort. Throughout the walk, you may spot a kangaroo or two along with other wildlife. Snakes are pretty common in the area, try to cover your legs and feet properly. Keep in mind that the water level can rise quickly depending on how much and how long it rains, so check the forecast beforehand. Also look out for unforecasted downpours during the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Uriarra Circuit starts from the Uriarra East Recreation Area, ACT, exploring the riversides of Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River. Take a stroll through nature as you listen to the relaxing sounds of the river, and enjoy a picnic on any spot you want to along the way. Going through two riverbeds and giving you great views of the landscape, this walk can be considered a premium meditation session, for free. Just keep in mind that the water level can rise after heavy rain, so check the forecast beforehand. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Uriarra Circuit

3.8 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 45 min

Pets

Environment

Stromlo Forest Park Mini Circuit

Stromlo Forest Park Mini Circuit

3.9 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from Stromlo Forest Park Carpark, Stromlo, this walk takes you on a circuit in the eastern part of Stromlo Forest via various walking and mountain bike tracks. Stromlo Forest Park is a world-class multi-use facility which has a MTB Park, cross-country running tracks, walking tracks and equestrian trails. Therefore, you can come here multiple times and make every experience different from each other. The gorgeous dense forest filled with wild animals such as kangaroos and magpies, is guaranteed to be a highlight whether you’re riding or on foot. Considering it’s just a 15 minute scenic drive from the city centre of Canberra, it can be a go-to destination for you and your family. You may run into snakes during your hike/ride, just leave them be and they’ll probably go away. Keep in mind that the facility closes at 9PM in Daylight Savings Time, and 6PM otherwise. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Narrabundah Hill Circuit starts from Eucumbene Drive, Duffy, exploring the woodland around the hill, visiting the trig station on top and looping back to the roadside. As you hike along the path, the refreshing sound of water flowing downstream will complement the delightful views you’ll come across. And by any chance you’re around when the sun sets, you’re in for a treat. Remember to keep your dog on a leash if cattle are present. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Narrabundah Hill Circuit

5.5 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Narrabundah Hill Circuit

5.5 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Cooleman Hill and Mount Arawang Circuit

Cooleman Hill and Mount Arawang Circuit

6.7 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Starting from Monkman Street, Chapman, this circuit walk takes you into the grasslands of Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve, visiting Cooleman Hill and Mount Arawang along the way. Start the hike with a climb up the hill to get your heart pumping. As you’re enjoying the panoramic views over the reserve, look out for birds such as the Diamond Firetrail and the Flame Robin. Get on the hammock atop of the hill for an extra comfortable birdwatching session. Other animals residing in the area include the Eastern bearded dragon and the endangered Pink-tailed worm-lizard. When you make it to the summit of Mount Arawang, expect a 360 degree clear view of everything around you, with a good balance of urban and natural scenery. Specifically, the aesthetic view of the distant mountains covered with dense forests is well worth the effort. Keep in mind that horse riding is allowed on marked equestrian trails. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Cooleman Ridge BNT Circuit

Cooleman Ridge BNT Circuit

9.8 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

9.8 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Starting from the end of Kathner Street, Chapman, this walk takes you on a circuit around Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve mostly via Bicentennial National Trail and Cutoff Drain Fire Trail. You’ll be enjoying the panoramic views over Bullen Range and beyond on the first half of the walk. As you turn and skirt around the perimeters of the reserve, the district of Weston Creek will come into your view. You can even see the Telstra Tower from here if you position yourself correctly. Expect lots of birds and kangaroos throughout the journey. Keep in mind that horse riding is allowed on marked equestrian trails. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Casuarina Sands Reserve to Kambah Pool

Casuarina Sands Reserve to Kambah Pool

13.5 km oneway

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

13.5 km

Oneway

Walk

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Starting from the western end of Casuarina Sands Reserve Carpark, Stromlo, this walk takes you to Kambah Pool Recreation Area via the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track, following the river down south. This walk is filled with wildlife as the riverbed and the surrounding area is quite green considering the dried up areas around it. Expect to see kangaroos and wallabies along with some wombats. Feel free to stop and take in the scenery and have a peaceful little riverside picnic if you feel like it. As you pass through river oak and red string bark woodlands, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Spider flowers. The track may become indistinguishable around some parts due to overgrowth, but the signage is very good and supported with distance markers. Although this can be impractical and boggling, it may make the journey feel more natural and unexplored. Just make sure you cover your legs to not get scratched. Keep in mind that this walk can be done in reverse and is a part of the 28 km Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Eastern Stromlo Forest Circuit

Eastern Stromlo Forest Circuit

14.5 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 7 h

Starting from Stromlo Forest Park Carpark, Stromlo, this circuit walk explores the eastern woodlands of Stromlo Forest via various tracks, visiting Mount Stromlo and Willo Link Totem along the way. Stromlo Forest is home to a world-class multi-use facility, with the convenience of being just 15 minutes away(with a car) from the city centre. A haven for mountain bikers, Stromlo Forest Park has countless high quality MTB tracks, along with cross-country running tracks and walking tracks. The summit of Mount Stromlo will welcome you with panoramic views over western Canberra and Brindabella Range. Especially stunning at dusk and dawn, this spot can also be a great opportunity to watch for some cute little magpies. As you’re making your way back to the start, you’ll pass by the Willo Link Totem. This totem was erected in honor of James ‘Willo’ Williamson, a world champion mountain biker who was loved and respected by many. May he rest in peace. Keep in mind that the facility closes at 9PM in Daylight Savings Time, and 6PM otherwise. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Canberra Centenary Trail: Section 6(Stromlo Forest Park to Greenway)

Canberra Centenary Trail: Section 6(Stromlo Forest Park to Greenway)

25.1 km oneway

7 h to 11 h 30 min

Starting from the entrance of Stromlo Forest Park, this walk takes you to the suburb of Greenway via the Canberra Centenary Trail. This is the 6th section of the whole 145 kilometre trail. You’ll have many opportunities to view the amazing landscape, swim, have a picnic, and do much more on this adventurous trip through the natural and urban parts of southeastern Canberra. From rewarding peaks such as Cooleman Hill and Mount Arawang to the gorgeous beaches along Murrumbidgee River, this well-known route is quite diverse in terms of highlights. Don’t forget to look for Peregrine falcons from the Red Rocks Gorge Lookout, although they can be hard to see due to their incredible speed. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track

27.6 km oneway

8 h 30 min to 13 h

Starting from the parking and picnic area in Casuarina Sands Reserve this walk follows the Murrumbidgee River all the way to the Point Hut parking and picnic area. Take the side trip to Red Cork Gorge Lookout before stopping to freshen up at the Kampah Pool or at Pine Hut about half way through the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment